Horse-racing Bill ‘crucial’ – N Yorks MP (From Gazette & Herald)

Horse-racing Bill ‘crucial’ – N Yorks MP

9:13am Wednesday 23rd January 2013 in News

A NORTH Yorkshire MP has described a new Bill she is to present to the House of Commons as “crucial for the future of UK horse-racing”.

Anne McIntosh, who represents Thirsk and Malton, took on the Offshore Gambling Bill from fellow MP Matthew Hancock late last year, with its Second Reading due to take place on Friday.

All but one of the 20 largest bookmakers currently operate their online businesses offshore, allowing them to avoid up to £300 million a year in tax as well as UK consumer protection laws and Levy contributions, which are pumped back into the racing industry.

Ms McIntosh said dozens of racehorse trainers providing hundreds of jobs were based in her constituency, adding: “This Bill, bringing about a new ‘point of consumption’ approach, will ensure competition is made fairer among bookmakers.

“This problem needs to be resolved as soon as possible to ensure racing remains such a high-quality sport in the UK. A large number of people’s livelihoods depend on the industry, so it is crucial bookmakers are contributing financially to the future of racing.”